This past year marks the first time in history that the United States has experienced a ‘shecession.’ Coined by C. Nicole Mason, president and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research, the term describes a period of economic decline that predominantly affects women. 

According to a Jan. 2021 report from IWPR, 393,000 more adult women than men left the workforce between February and December 2020. One key factor the report cites for this statistic is that “women are more likely than men to work in the sectors that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

While COVID-19 has been difficult, if not devastating, for many individuals and industries, the pandemic has certainly spotlighted the effects of labor segmentation. Correspondingly, perhaps it has illustrated that now is an opportune time for a woman to consider a career in our essential plumbing, heating, cooling and piping industry. 

“Low-wage jobs do not allow workers to build significant savings or other forms of wealth which would help them and their families to be economically secure during economic downturns such as the current COVID-19 recession,” reported Chicago Women in Trades in a March 2021 brief. “The skilled construction trades have given many women an alternative to the poorly paid jobs in the service sector that many had to turn to before finding the trades.”

Indeed, the gender pay gap in construction is significantly smaller than that of other industries, with women in construction earning 99.1 percent of their male colleagues’ pay according to the National Association of Women in Construction. In a March 2021 survey, the association also found that job opportunities for women in construction are on the rise, and 59 percent of participants ranked employers favorably for equality.

Underrepresented, but growing segment

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 population survey indicates that women comprise just 10.9 percent of the construction industry, this is still a 1.8 percent increase from 2016 when we launched our first Women In PHCP spotlight.

Additionally, according to the CWIT brief mentioned above, the female construction workforce is “very diverse and growing more diverse from the bottom up,” with the number of Latina women in federally registered apprenticeships almost doubling, and the number of Black women apprentices growing by more than 50 percent between 2016 and 2019.

Women in engineering occupations have also steadily increased from 2016 as well, now comprising 15 percent of the engineering workforce, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Women in and outside of our industry have continued to break barriers over the years. However, it is clear there is still more progress to be made, and, perhaps more importantly, backsliding to prevent.

According to “Women in the Workplace 2020,” a study undertaken by McKinsey and LeanIn.Org, the recent advancements we have seen could easily be “erased.” Women still face a higher risk of being pushed out of the workforce as they experience new challenges due to COVID-19, such as managing increased housework and caregiving burdens.

Undoubtedly, it is more important than ever to discuss how we can recruit, mentor and retain women in the PHCP community. Join us as we do just that with our 2021 Women In PHCP honorees — 10 inspiring individuals who are all advancing our industry in different ways.

Sarah Beyerlein, Assistant to the CEO at Everwell Parts Inc.

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

As an immigrant and third-generation family member in the industry, I am compelled to further pursue the ‘American Dream’ by carrying on the family legacy that is our business, Everwell Parts Inc. By being involved in the leadership team, I hope to make a statement and inspire more women in the male-dominated HVACR industry.

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

My parents have more than 35 years of experience managing retail and wholesale HVACR supply stores in Venezuela and the United States. As a teenager, I spent summers working toward developing our first catalog, filing documents, and helping with inventory. Ultimately as a young adult, when my father asked me to formally join the family business, it was only natural for me to accept.

What have been some of your career highlights? 

Managing Everwell Parts through the COVID-19 pandemic! It was the most challenging, yet most self-developing, year of my professional life. Circumstances pushed me to constantly get out of my comfort zone, build my leadership role in the company, and ultimately safely sail the business through such a disruptive time. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Professionally, I look up to my mother for her endurance and experience. For her, nourishing a family and managing a business in Venezuela was a monumental task that inflicted a lot of stress and pain, yet you would never hear her complain. She was a woman of action who endured it all. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Unfortunately, I have personally been confronted with sexism, such as the idea that women are not as knowledgeable about the HVAC industry as men. In my opinion, respect for the other gender should be the first thing to address. Subsequently, companies could eliminate the gender wage gap, offer support for expecting mothers and offer better parental leave.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

It is great, it is humbling, and I hope it inspires more women to recognize the awesomeness of the industry and to not feel discouraged by it.

Gabriella Davis, Chief Administrative Officer at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

My role allows me to communicate regularly with staff located in our various global offices, ensuring they have the resources they need to support IAPMO’s members and clients. As secretary of IAPMO’s Standards Council, I support our code staff in the administrative oversight of the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. I also currently serve as the secretariat of the World Plumbing Council.

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry?  

After a successful interview in 1995, I was hired and have been here since. It’s been an incredible journey!

What have been some of your career highlights?  

The highlight for me personally is being put in a position to grow professionally, and IAPMO is an organization with senior leaders, including its board of directors, who care deeply about the staff. One of the most recent memories comes from our work through the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation. In 2018, I joined the IWSH team and volunteers in Thoreau, New Mexico, on a mission to help install indoor plumbing for several Diné families. Meeting the female leaders of that community, the elders, and the woman who drives a truck daily to deliver water for families in need was an incredible experience.  

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I’m honored to have many strong women in my life. My grandmothers were two incredibly strong women who overcame a tremendous amount of obstacles in their lives. My mother is a guiding force in my life. A cancer survivor and retired teacher, I learned through watching her to never give up on anything nor anyone. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible women at IAPMO — I’ve learned a lot from them. I hope to play a part in helping others grow and feel as supported as much as I have been. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?  

When I speak with young elementary school students about World Plumbing Day, I share photos of both male and female plumbers and engineers. Some are destined for college while others are destined for a trade, and I think all students should be keenly aware of all options available to them.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor? 

There are several women at IAPMO that deserve this honor for the incredible work they do. My professional success is the result of the tremendous support I receive from all those around me. I can’t get through a workday without the professionals I work with every day, nor could I survive without the support I receive from my husband and teenage boys.  

Nuray Ebel, Global Engineering and Applications Manager at Haws Corp.

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am responsible for engineering resources to select, cost, design and test emergency and hydration products for all regions. My team and I work closely with customers to understand their project needs and provide the best engineering service to find the right solutions.

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I got my Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in Turkey. I came to the United States in 2002 for my Master of Science in mechanical engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating, I started to work for a cryodynamics pump and turbine company where I gained experience in customized and spec-driven international projects. 

What have been some of your career highlights? 

I led many complex multi-million-dollar projects and teams in my previous company. At Haws, I am able to build on that and develop my skillset with various responsibilities and positions. I have a passion to help translate and execute complex challenges to reality. Recently, I was promoted to my current position managing multicultural and multifunctional teams, creating project integration, synergy and collaboration that fully supports the Haws business values and objectives. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Haws Owner and Executive Vice President Stephanie Kilroy is a mentor of mine. She has encouraged the foundation of organizational health for leaders and management, creating a culture that breeds trust and helps everyone succeed. Our organization has a large engineering function, and building cross-functional support is a critical component of my role. I am lucky to have several women colleagues who are successful leaders at Haws.  

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

There are many smart, hard-working, ambitious women engineers and leaders out there that the PHCP industry should encourage and support. Mentoring and networking programs, gender rights and pay equality could be encouraged. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

I am extremely happy to receive this honor to set an example for future generations and emerging women leaders. My message is that women should sit at the table, get involved in male-dominated industries, make decisions and show everyone that we can do it and do it well.

Nicole S. Fournier, Director, Retail Channel at Oatey Co.

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I am responsible for establishing the brand strategy in the retail channel at Oatey Co., as well as leading new product development. Prior to joining Oatey in 2020, I spent 15 years with Keeney Manufacturing, working closely with various teams to execute product and marketing initiatives across both wholesale and retail. I am also actively involved in a variety of organizations at Oatey, including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee and Women’s Resource Group. 

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

Initially, I was curious to learn about the people and processes behind U.S. manufacturing. Through early job opportunities, I was quickly exposed to PHCP and able to grow a passion, as well as an appreciation, for the industry. I continue to learn something new each day that reminds me how vital this industry is to everyone’s safety, health, resource efficiency and beyond.

What have been some of your career highlights? 

New product and technology launches are always memorable highlights for me. There is an increased sense of pride leading a team to a successful launch and celebrating their individual successes as well. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women?

I was raised in a family of strong women who not only inspired and supported me, but also encouraged me to bring my best every day. As a result, I am now raising a strong young lady of my own. Throughout my professional career, I have also leaned on female leaders to help shape my success, including Mary Kay Samko, my college mentor; Carole Lipka, vice president of marketing at Keeney Manufacturing; and Michelle Newland, president of retail and international at Oatey. All three women have played a pivotal role in my growth over the years and ability to help guide other women in PHCP. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

There is a strong opportunity to shed a more holistic light on how women can contribute to and succeed in every facet of the PHCP business, including engineering, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, etc. Diversity in thinking is a strength for all industries, and PHCP is no different. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

Over the years, I have always read this publication and looked up to the women featured in this special issue. It is an honor to receive this nomination and be included in their ranks. I am proud to be part of our industry, as well as work alongside remarkable, talented and innovative women every day. 

Michelle Lewnes-Dadas, VP of Sales / Partner at Preferred Sales Inc.

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

Preferred Sales Inc. is a manufacturer’s rep firm that covers Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. I also sit on the executive committee of the Board of the Association of Independent Manufacturers'/ Representatives.

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I am a second-generation partner at our company, so you could say it has always been in my blood and I followed in my dad’s footsteps.

What have been some of your career highlights? 

My biggest highlight has been building our company with my father, Pete Lewnes, my partner Alan Guidish, our management team, and excellent associates to become what it is today. This past year, COVID-19 has made our company stronger and taught us new ways to do business with a strong emphasis on technology. Some of my other highlights come from industry involvement with organizations like MRERF, NCWA, ASA, and AIM/R. I recently had the honor to serve as AIM/R’s first Virtual Conference Chair last fall. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My most influential female mentor would be my mother. She has instilled empathy and compassion in me and provided the best example of how to be a mother, which is the most important title I have. I formally and informally mentor many young ladies in and out of our industry. I try to be as available and open as I can — especially for those who are becoming young working moms or those who want to build a career first before having a family, as I have done by starting my family later in life.

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Continuing to highlight influential women's stories in this industry's various roles through publications like this, and various social media influencers are key. Additionally, organizations, such as ASA’s Women in Industry, provide a venue for some of the most vital networking I have ever experienced in the PHCP industry. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

I am humbled and honored by this recognition. I am grateful for all of the relationships I have built in this industry that helped me get to where I am, and I look forward to the new connections to come in the future. 

Theresa McFaul, Owner of Mai Vu Plumbing and Construction

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I have owned a plumbing company for the last six years, as well as a construction company for the last eight years. I am half Vietnamese, and that is where the name “Mai Vu” comes from — it is my middle name. I am a licensed journeyman plumber, and I’m scheduled to take my Master Plumbing exam this upcoming month.

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I have been in construction and real estate for about 10 years, and when the opportunity to take over another plumber’s work presented itself, I took it! 

What have been some of your career highlights? 

Getting my license was definitely one of my highlights! We have taken on some pretty big jobs, like 180-unit and high-rise condos, restaurants, and department stores. We now do utility plumbing as well. We also do a lot of plumbing work for The Home Depot. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My mom has got to be my woman mentor. The hustle mentality is all from her! I also have a good friend Andrea who runs Midway Plumbing out in Abeline, Texas. She and her company have opened up their business for us to shadow and learn from. Additionally, I get a lot of feedback from women on social media. They ask questions about how I got into the trade and how to go about it, and I share as much as I can with them. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

I think women would be a lot more interested in running plumbing companies if they knew the profit potential. Plumbing gets really interesting once you get familiar with it. And it’s so applicable to everyone — not just a certain kind of person, not just during a certain stage in life. It’s one of those industries that is driven by a need, not a desire. That’s what makes it a whole other ball game. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

It always feels great to be recognized for hard work. But, maybe even more important than that, is the recognition of women in trades. Breaking the mold of the mindset that only men can be in this industry is an important step. Not only does it open doors for women, it opens doors for the industry. There’s no telling what all women can bring to the table, if given the opportunity.

Allie Perez, VP of Marketing and Operations at George Plumbing Co. Inc.

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

I manage operations and marketing for a residential service company in San Antonio. I also founded Texas Women in Trades, an organization to bring more women minorities and young people to the skilled trades. I serve the National Tradeswomen Taskforce as the co-chair of the communications committee. I’m an apprentice plumber who will be taking my Journeyman test this year. 

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I entered the industry through marketing. I graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama, Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in mathematics. I did not expect to end up in the trades. However, in 2010 I started in marketing for the construction trades industry straight out of college. I loved it! As I was managing the plumbers, I needed to learn the trade to better serve the team. But I was also fascinated with the science of the plumbing; I started taking apprentice classes and logging hours. 

What have been some of your career highlights? 

Winning both the Brasscraft Scholarship and the Dwyer Group Women in Trades Scholarship and earning the highest GPA in my apprentice class. I’ve been privileged to represent Texas Women in Trades across the country and at the Department of Labor – Women’s Bureau and Office of Apprenticeship. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I serve on the National Tradeswomen Taskforce with some amazing women who inspire me. Connie Ashbrook, co-founder of Oregon Tradeswomen, Meg Vassey, Elizabeth Skidmore and Molly Martin are my tradeswomen heroes. Through Texas Women in Trades, our apprentice/student members are partnered with a tradeswoman in their field. We also work locally with a construction careers high school. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Filling the skilled labor gap is a marketing problem. Colleges and universities spend approximately $1 billion a year to recruit. What are the skilled trades spending? We need to work on the messaging and share all the benefits of a career in the skilled trades.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

To be featured among trailblazing women who are dynamos in this industry is truly the highest honor. This honor would also help to highlight the movement’s efforts to positively alter the conceptions of the trades industry, recruit more women to the trades and improve the lives of tradeswomen.

Jill Reggiannini, Director, HR Business Partner - HVAC at Ferguson

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

My role is to partner with the HVAC leadership team to proactively establish and drive the human resources strategies that will enable both short-term and long-term growth of our business. 

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I have worked in a variety of industries thus far in my career. I found an ideal opportunity at Ferguson, and once I met the people I would work with, it was an easy decision to accept the position. In my opinion, this industry is a “best-kept secret.”

What have been some of your career highlights? 

My most significant career accomplishment to date has been to watch the growth and successes of the HR professionals who have worked on my teams. In my current role, I have driven our COVID response within the HVAC business, expanded our focus on preparing the next generation of HVAC leaders, and served as the HR leader for Building Pride, Ferguson’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

The stand-out woman for me here at Ferguson has been Allison Stirrup, VP of HR Business Partners. She has taught me so much about the way the industry works and how to navigate our company. Investing in the growth and development of women is important to me. I maintain ongoing mentoring relationships with former colleagues from various industries and serve as a mentor for a handful of women in Ferguson’s HVAC business.

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

First, we can improve by highlighting women who are already working in the industry. Second, we can reconsider where we are looking for talent. Finally, if we focus on potential, we can often train the rest. Similar to my story, don’t be afraid to consider women who don’t have existing PHCP industry experience, but have the capacity and willingness to learn it.

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

It is an honor to be recognized amongst this group of accomplished nominees. It is critical to highlight the work being done by women so that other women may see leaders who look like them represented within our industry. My hope is that we will continue to see increased diversity in the pipeline of qualified talent considering a career within PHCP.

Paige Riddle, Sr. Manager, Market Management at Viega

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

My team at Viega is responsible for creating market strategies and programs based on our customers’ needs. Working with many cross-functional teams, we find new opportunities for growth and innovation in the commercial building segment. 

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

In 2007, I took a summer marketing internship opportunity with Viega. A year later, I joined the company as a market analyst in the PEX division, moving later into product management. Never did I imagine I would be in the plumbing industry, but I am grateful for the experience and value all of our customers for the work they do on a daily basis. 

What have been some of your career highlights? 

Viega offered an opportunity to join our corporate office in Germany for three years, where I was a product manager for Viega’s PEX systems and led our innovation efforts in the Indian and Southeast Asian markets. This was an amazing experience, not only to live in another country, but also see first-hand how Viega operates globally.

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

My first boss at Viega was a great example of women in this industry and a great mentor. Even though I only worked for her for a short time, I learned so much from how she handled herself in a male-dominated field as a product manager. In our team, we now have a handful of women leading the charge in market management to influence our industry. Diversity brings new perspectives and different thoughts into the conversation and these women challenge me with their ideas on a daily basis. I hope they are learning as much from me as I am learning from them. 

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Promoting diversity in this industry will only strengthen and improve our efforts to improve the quality of life for so many people. To bring our industry forward, we need innovator thinkers who are not afraid of a challenge. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

It is unexpected and a tremendous honor to be nominated, and I hope this only encourages other women to join our industry.

Heather Ripley, CEO and Founder of Ripley PR

What is your role in the PHCP industry?

My public relations agency focuses on helping home service businesses garner similar attention and visibility that other types of businesses typically benefit from through PR strategies. 

How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

I grew up in a blue-collar family, and that instilled a deep appreciation in me for people working in skilled trades. Combining my marketing career with my affinity for the skilled trades blossomed in 2008 when I started working for Clockwork Home Services. I was initially hired to help support the company’s franchise development, and over time I became more involved with directly supporting the business owners.

What have been some of your career highlights? 

I’m pretty excited about my latest project, a book for home service contractors called “Next Level Now: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for Your Home Service Business.” It’s a tool that owners, managers, and marketing departments can use to grow their businesses, whether that’s to increase revenue, position it for acquisition or to create a legacy business. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

I’m influenced by remarkable women in the industry like Ellen Rohr, president of Zoom Drain franchise; Danielle Putnam, president at The New Flat Rate; my close friend Sarah Horvath, marketing operations and customer service manager at ALDES North America; and so many others. I also depend on support and encouragement from women in the PR industry and other female leaders in entrepreneur organizations. Within my agency, I have several female team members, and I try to serve as a teacher and source of inspiration to them.    

What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Over the past decade I have seen more and more women entering and becoming accepted as a big part of the success of the home service industry. The most important thing the industry can do is to improve and continue its efforts in educating the public as to the rich opportunities available in this industry. 

What does it mean to you to receive this honor?

There are so many phenomenal women in the industry, it is really an honor to be included among them. I want to help as many business owners as possible reach their goals, and opportunities like this give me the avenue to reach more.

 Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.